As an extra bonus, every class at St Peter’s RC Prmary School in Hinckley were taken to Hinckley library for a special reading session and given the chance to borrow some books.

Teacher and literacy co-ordinator Lisa Geary said: “It was brilliant. Many children had never been to the library before and were able to take out books for the first time.

“I hope it will encourage parents to visit more often.”

Staff and pupils of Manorfield Primary School in Stoney Stanton used the event to raise money for Target Ovarian Cancer, as March is national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Ten-year-old pupil Hannah Hudson said: “We are encouraged to read, read and read a bit more so we all love books.

“I read anything from the Bible to books on horses and The Hunger Games.”

Windmill Day Nursery in Wheatfield Way used the event to mark the 45th anniversary of the publication of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, with a raft of caterpillar and butterfly-themed activities for its babies and pre-school children, while raising money for Action for Children.

Nursery manager Cath McElroy said: “We aim to instil a hunger for learning in all of our children by creating a positive and motivating experience in our fun and loving nursery environment.”

Burbage Junior School had a visited from Andy Cope, author of the Spy Dog books about an investigative hound, who gave pupils some tips on creative writing.

“We are very enthusiastic about promoting reading and the children have also been keen to take part in Read for My School the national reading competition.”

Pupils at Hinckley’s Dorothy Goodman School and St Mary’s CE Primary School and those at Burbage Infant School and Newlands Community Primary School in Barwell also sent in pictures showing them celebrating World Book Day.